Apprentices receive their awards at presentation

North East Scotland College recently celebrated the talents of the Modern Apprenticeship programme at annual presentation evenings held at both Aberdeen City and Fraserburgh campuses.

More than 30 apprentices from the Automotive, Engineering, Hairdressing and Fabrication and Welding disciplines were congratulated on their achievement alongside family, friends and employers.

Paul Sherrington, depute principal North East Scotland commented: “It has always been very clear that one of our main aims is to provide relevant training designed to allow individuals to develop sustainable careers and the Modern Apprenticeship programme meets that purpose.

“We are one of the largest training providers for apprentices in Scotland, with 480 current apprenticeships running and it is right to recognise the dedication and achievements of those who have completed the programme which, for many, can run up to four years.”

Both presentation evenings featured guest speakers who spoke about their own career journeys to apprentices and guests.

Denise spoke about her varied career path which began as a teacher, then newspaper editor in Ireland before working as senior communications advisor on the Shell-operated Corrib gas project in the west of Ireland.

Denise concluded that, “It is important to work hard and be the best that you can be. Do not be afraid to take chances, and remember to refine your skills and thinking as you go.”

Fraserburgh Campus welcomed Craig Grant, from Strichen, who won the Farmer’s Weekly Young Farmer of the Year Award in 2012.

Craig shared his career journey as an engineering apprentice before returning to the family farming business launching his own brand of “Aberdeenshire choice” eggs in addition to supplying supermarket own label.

Craig stressed the benefits of collaboration with others and reminded the apprentices of the importance of valuing the relationships of friends and family as they embark upon their own career paths.

The Ian Corney Engineering Award, designed to recognise outstanding effort and achievement in the field of Mechanical Engineering was awarded to Daniel Reeves, who is undergoing a Modern Apprenticeship with Scottish and Southern Energy in Peterhead.

The prize was presented by Kirsty Corney and Daniel was commended for his tenacity and determination in overcoming many personal challenges whilst always displaying a positive attitude. Commendations were awarded to two runners-up who are on the Modern Apprenticeship programme - Scott Murray, with EnerMech and Daniel

Morais, with DR Diesel.

Duncan Abernethy, Head of Business and Community Development, closed the presentations

commenting, “You can all be incredibly proud of your achievements. The qualification and perhaps

more importantly, the skills, knowledge and creativity that you have built at the College and in the

early stages of your careers, will be major assets to you personally and to your employers now and in

the future. My thanks to you all, and in particular to Halliburton for sponsorship of the evening.”